Trouble getting lettuce seeds to germinate

[Gman]

Hey folks,

This year I seem to be having difficulty persuading my lettuce seed to germinate.

Am using left over seed from last year, but still “in date” on packet.

Doing same as I did last year (planting shallow in potting compost in modular trays) but much worse results. Have tried keeping in shed for 2-3 days as well in case too warm inside. No luck.

Any suggestions? Are lettuce seed particularly likely to need replaced every year?

Cheers

[nickdub]

might be that the seed is no good - storing seed so that it remains viable can be a problem.

you could try sprinkling a little seed on some damp kitchen roll in a plastic box to test it.

[Gman]

Thanks nickdub. Will try that and then replace if does not come up. How long would you expect it to take before it sprouts if it’s viable?

[nickdub]

a week would be my guesstimate.

[Gman]

Cheers nick

[burnie]

I have some brand-new lettuce seed that's failed to germinate, had the same with a packet of carrots too, seed quality seems a bit hit and miss at times. I had a half tray divided in 2,sowed 2 different varieties, one side germinated and the other didn't.

[nickdub]

Cheers nick

You're very welcome :-)

[nickdub]

No harm in asking for a refund - any reputable firm ought to stand behind their seed quality.

[Martin H]

A few years back, someone on here posted a pretty foolproof way of getting lettuce to germinate. You sow it in a pot, lightly cover with compost, water, then put the pot in a plastic bag in the fridge overnight. The next day, put the pot in a light place, not too cold, not too hot. The seed will be up in a week.

[Scarlet]

I always buy fresh lettuce seed every year as germination can be hit and miss with old seed. Personally I'd buy another pack tomorrow.

[Trouvere]

I agree. I'm having real trouble getting consistent germination with last year's Arctic King and Red Salad Bowl - and as for an old pack of radicchio (thematically lettucey, if not botanically), forget about it. The sites that suggest chicory seeds remain viable for 4 or 5 years must be very optimistic.

[ameno]

Lettuce seed deteriorates quickly, so age is most likely the problem.
But consider also that lettuce seeds don't like excessive heat, and germination rates drop off sharply if they get too hot.

[Gman]

Thanks everyone. Too much heat unlikely to be an issue here - it’s freezing. Also, suspect that refunds unlikely to be a goer for mine as 2 of 3 packs were open last year and the 3rd was bought for about 50p in the winter from a “bargain bin” so probably not new.
I’ll try to germinate as per nick, but have bought some more anyway. Good excuse..

[Gman]

Yep. New lettuce seed has sprouted like crazy. Got about 20 baby lettuce on the go now so looks like it’s salad at my house for months..